Gaithersburg, Maryland Special Immigrant Juvenile Status Attorney

Lawyer Helping Minor Immigrants in Gaithersburg Obtain Protections Through SIJ Status

Children living in the United States without a legal immigration status may be at risk of harm, especially if they face difficult or dangerous family situations. Fortunately, U.S. immigration laws provide protections for certain children through Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS). SIJS is a humanitarian immigration classification that offers vital protections for undocumented minors who have suffered abuse, abandonment, or neglect by a parent. This status will not only protect young immigrants against deportation, but it can also open the door to permanent residency and, eventually, U.S. citizenship.

Immigration Legal Advisors, PLLC works with vulnerable children in Gaithersburg and other Maryland communities to apply for SIJS and provide a path toward safety, stability, and hope. Our attorney can guide children and their guardians through the complex legal steps involved in applying for this critical immigration status.

Understanding Special Immigrant Juvenile Status

Certain children who have experienced harm or hardship due to the actions or inaction of their parents may be eligible for Special Immigrant Juvenile status. SIJS allows these children to remain in the United States legally, and it is particularly important for children who have been placed under the custody of juvenile courts due to unsafe living conditions.

Unlike other immigration pathways, SIJS does not require a family-based sponsor or proof of financial self-sufficiency. Its purpose is to protect the best interests of the child in situations where it would not be safe or viable for the child to return to their home country.

Benefits of SIJS for Minor Immigrants

When granted, SIJS provides several advantages, including:

• Protection From Deportation: Minors who are granted SIJS are no longer at risk of being removed from the United States.
• Eligibility for a Green Card: SIJS recipients can apply for adjustment of status to become lawful permanent residents.
• Pathway to Citizenship: After five years as a permanent resident, an SIJS recipient who is at least 18 years old may apply for naturalization and become a U.S. citizen.
• Work Authorization: After a minor receives deferred action through SIJS, they can apply for employment authorization, which will allow them to work in the United States.

Who Qualifies for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status?

Eligibility for SIJS is determined based on strict legal requirements. A child must meet the following criteria to apply:

• Under 21 Years Old: In Maryland, a child must apply for SIJS before their 21st birthday. Timing is critical, especially for those who are nearing this age limit.
• Unmarried: The applicant must not be married at the time of filing or at any point during the process.
• Declared Dependent by a Juvenile Court: A state juvenile court must issue an order determining that the child is dependent on the court or has been placed in the custody of a guardian, relative, or state agency.
• Parental Abuse, Abandonment, or Neglect: The juvenile court must find that a child should not be reunified with one or both of their parents because of instances of abuse, neglect, or abandonment.
• Best Interest Determination: The order issued by the juvenile court will also need to state that returning to their home country would not be in a child's best interest.

A minor may qualify for SIJS even if only one parent is responsible for abandonment, abuse, or neglect. SIJS may be an option for children who have partial family support or are in the custody of one parent. However, a Special Immigrant Juvenile cannot sponsor their parent for a family-based visa.

How Our Lawyer Helps Children Obtain SIJS in Gaithersburg

Navigating the SIJS process requires a deep understanding of U.S. immigration regulations and the procedures followed in juvenile courts in Maryland. Our attorney works closely with children, guardians, and juvenile courts to secure the necessary orders that will qualify a minor for SIJS. We provide compassionate representation for children who have faced difficult circumstances, ensuring that their legal rights are protected.

From preparing the juvenile court petition to gathering documentation to submit to USCIS, our lawyer will handle every aspect of a case with compassion and care. We will make sure forms and documents are filed within the proper deadlines, communicate with federal agencies, and address any complications that may arise during the process. With our legal support, young immigrants in Gaithersburg can obtain the protections they deserve.

Contact Our Gaithersburg, MD SIJS Attorney

For children who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected and need protection from deportation, Special Immigrant Juvenile status may be the best option. At Immigration Legal Advisors, PLLC, we help families in Gaithersburg and throughout Maryland obtain SIJS for minor immigrants while making sure they will be able to become permanent residents of the United States. Contact our office at 571-441-2233 to set up a consultation today.